Self-Care can be described as a conscious act in order to promote one’s own physical, mental, and emotional health. It helps us promote healthy functioning and enhance well-being. It is indeed vital as it helps us build resilience towards various stressors in life that often cannot be avoided or ignored. When you begin to take tiny steps towards caring for your own mind and body, you are more prepared to live your best life.
In today’s times, unfortunately, a lot of people tend to look at self-care as a luxury rather than a priority. It is also looked at as a way to spend lavishly on yourself or just go out and get yourself something materialistic that you were longing for. However, it is much much more than all these practices.
It’s important to assess how you’re caring for yourself in several different domains so you can ensure you’re caring for your mind, body, and spirit. Let’s have a look at how you can act in each area and ring in self-care like a pro!
Emotional Self-Care
It is essential that you have healthy coping skills in times of sadness, anger, and other emotional states. Emotionally caring for yourself may include acknowledging and expressing your feelings on a regular basis. It can either be by talking to someone close or just meditating and introspecting. A few examples are:
Talking to a loved one, friend, parent, life coach guru, etc.
Practicing affirmations.
Jotting a gratitude journal.
Practicing this type of self-care is necessary on a regular basis at least once a day for 5–15 minutes. You can carry out this daily, too. Only ensure that you are in complete awareness and in case you feel overwhelmed, it is advisable to seek professional help.
Physical Self-Care
Physical self-care is probably what many of us typically think of when we hear the words self-care. This type of self-care refers to any activities you deliberately engage in to enhance your physical well-being. A few examples include:
Going for a walk/jog, a bike ride, a dance class, etc.
Dancing to your favorite song
Getting a massage
Taking a nap
The body tends to get exhausted and thus this type of self-care comes to the rescue. You can practice this each time you are down or need a break. However, do not mix this up with procrastination and halt your other tasks.
Social Self-Care
Humans are social animals. Close connections are important to your well-being. The best way to cultivate and maintain close relationships is to put time and energy into building your relationships with others. A few examples would be:
Scheduling a regular phone touch-base with your parents, siblings, friends, etc.
Writing a card and mailing it to a loved one
Going on a date with your significant other
Cuddling with a furry friend
It is important to be social and meet people out of your same old circle. Stepping out of your same old routine is important. Thus, keep weekends or your day-offs for yourself and relax. Ensure you do not force yourself and go as per your own comfort.
Mental Self-Care
Mental self-care encompasses anything you do specifically to stimulate your mind and cultivate a healthy mental space. Some activities to carry out would be:
Trying a new hobby.
Visiting a heritage site or museum.
Reading a book.
Listening to music or a podcast.
The only type that does not come with a suitable timeline. You may carry out these exercises each time you feel like it or simultaneously add them to your daily schedule.
Spiritual Self-Care
Spirituality does not have any connection to a specific religion. This form of self-care applies to everyone — religious, atheist, agnostic, or otherwise. Spiritual self-care encompasses any activities you engage in to connect with and nurture your soul. This practice is fundamentally about connecting with your inner spirit and honoring the supreme energy/power. Here it can mean God, the universe, an aura, anything that suits you. Some examples are:
Practicing yoga
Spending time within nature
Engaging in prayer and worship
Simply meditating.
This is another type that needs to schedule. You may practice is it as much as you can as per your convince. However, daily is recommended.
These are the variant types of areas to practice self-care. The methods and examples mentioned are just a few. Self-care isn’t a one-size-fits-all strategy. Your self-care plan will need to be customized to your needs. We’re all unique beings so you do you! Walk a step closer towards an enhanced physical, mental, and emotional health, today!
